I think it would be great for heavy rock and certainly the NWOBHM sound, look how many players were using Precisions there. I had Tim wind me a 62 wind, which is a little heavier than the 66, but I am sure he can vary the tone a bit if you let him know what you want (I happen to love the sound of the 61/62 Precisions - I used to have one and sold it many years ago when I needed the money, now my 66 sounds just as good).